I really loved this book. Strangely enough, I enjoyed this second installment even more than the first!

I liked that we got to see more of this world and the political and social intricacies of the world.

The biggest surprise for me was my reaction to Helene. I did not like her in the first book. I felt that her character lacked empathy, which made it difficult for me to connect with her. But in this book, I loved her. I really enjoyed reading from her perspective because I got to see her growth as a character. She really does have the most difficult time in this book because she is being forced to carry out orders for people she despises against people she cares about. She is definitely a complex character. She is trying to protect and fight for a system that is corrupt and oppressive, even while she herself isn't either of those things. We get the sense here and there that she really does question the will of the Empire, but her family's motto (Loyal to the end) and the fact that Marcus is threatening her family makes it impossible for her to go against him, even should she wish to.

I liked her interactions with Harper, and his character in general. I hope we get more of these two in subsequent books.

There were some reveals in the book that took me completely by surprise. There were events that I am trying to figure out how they will be resolved, and I just have no clue. I think that's one of my favorite things about this series. I don't find it predictable at all.

I just saw that the next book in the series isn't set to come out until 2018...that is simply NOT OKAY WITH ME! I need it!